Why write a memoir?

The reason behind writing a memoir usually comes from the heart. Here’s why I wrote my mother’s story.

My mother Corazon never told me she wanted to write a memoir about her life. But she always had a beautiful way with words. Because of her gift of storytelling, my sisters and I decided we wanted to remember her childhood adventures.

Her wonderful stories about growing up in war-torn Pampanga during the Japanese Occupation of WWII were a huge part of our childhood. She told these stories to my sisters and I at bedtime and over many a hearty family meal. We each had our favorites: “Mom tell us about when you had to escape at night,” one would say. “How did Uncle Ser get shot in the knee again? ” another would chime in. My favourite one was when her mother, my grandma, took them fishing for — wait for it — frogs! Yes, war is ugly. But through my mother’s innocent eyes, she remembered snippets of an idyllic childhood amid very tough times. Through my mother’s stories, my sisters and I learned the value of counting our blessings and having a grateful heart at all times.

As you will see in the 3-minute video above, my mother’s stories were eventually published as a children’s book called Good Night, Lala (Adarna House) in 2013, two years after my mother Corazon passed away from heart failure. But the magic of sharing her stories continue to this day through the sale of the book. In 2020, I was invited by Filipinas Heritage Library to talk about the book during their War and Children online event. I’ve also received mail from parents who’ve told me how much their kids love the book.

So why write a memoir? Because a person’s story will continue to touch people’s hearts, long after hers has stopped beating.

To order a copy of Good Night, Lala (Adarna House): Click here to order the book.